Inground pool cost in Gainesville, GA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $31,900 – $99,700
- Per sq ft
- $70.50 – $221
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −12%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #267
- 1 = most expensive
Gainesville homeowners pay roughly $31,900 to $99,700 to install an inground pool at 450 sq ft, or $70.50 to $221 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Gainesville is 12% lower. Construction laborers earn a median of $18.40 an hour in the Gainesville area, 19% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Gainesville, GA, standard level
$52,200 to $79,300
About $116 to $176 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 48% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $27,100 | $41,300 |
| Labor | $24,900 | $37,800 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $230 |
| Total | $52,200 | $79,300 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Gainesville, GA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,500 | $34,200 | $52,000 | 52% |
| Labor | $15,300 | $31,400 | $47,400 | 48% |
| Permits and fees | $95 | $190 | $290 | 0% |
| Total | $31,900 | $65,800 | $99,700 | 100% |
Why Gainesville prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on construction laborers, who do 40% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $18.40 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Gainesville is 0.81 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 48% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Gainesville metro is 96.3 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 450 sq ft comes to $34,200, compared with $35,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (96.8) and land at $95 to $290.
Data note: 20% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Gainesville. The wage table below marks each row.
When to schedule inground pool in Gainesville
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Gainesville Gilmer Ap (in the city). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
March through November is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Gainesville (9 of 12 months). January, February and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Gainesville gets about 52 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, March and August (5.0 inches in January). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.9 and 3.9 inches. The station averages about 35 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51 | 34 | 5.0 | Cold |
| Feb | 55 | 36 | 4.7 | Cold |
| Mar | 63 | 43 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Apr | 72 | 50 | 4.0 | Workable |
| May | 79 | 58 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Jun | 85 | 66 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 88 | 70 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Aug | 87 | 69 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 81 | 63 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Oct | 72 | 52 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 62 | 42 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Dec | 53 | 36 | 4.7 | Cold |
Gainesville against nearby metros and the rest of Georgia
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 450 sq ft range from $63,100 to $69,900 across Gainesville and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GAthis page | $31,900 – $99,700 | $65,800 | |
| Athens, GA45 miles | $31,500 – $98,500 | $65,000 | −1% |
| Atlanta, GA50 miles | $33,900 – $106,000 | $69,900 | +6% |
| Dalton, GA70 miles | $30,600 – $95,700 | $63,100 | −4% |
| Greenville, SC85 miles | $32,900 – $102,500 | $67,800 | +3% |
| Macon, GA100 miles | $31,900 – $99,600 | $65,700 | level |
| Georgia (statewide) | $32,600 – $102,000 | $67,200 | +2% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +13% |
Across 300 US metros, Gainesville comes in at #267 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Gainesville is 2% below the Georgia figure.
Other Georgia metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 2,889,670 jobs | $33,900 – $106,000 | $69,900 | +6% |
| Augusta, GA | 231,930 jobs | $32,000 – $100,000 | $66,100 | +1% |
| Savannah, GA | 198,360 jobs | $32,100 – $100,500 | $66,200 | +1% |
| Columbus, GA | 116,380 jobs | $31,200 – $97,600 | $64,400 | −2% |
| Athens, GA | 95,800 jobs | $31,500 – $98,500 | $65,000 | −1% |
| Macon, GA | 95,030 jobs | $31,900 – $99,600 | $65,700 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Gainesville's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Gainesville against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN | 103,920 jobs | $41,100 – $128,000 | $84,600 | +29% |
| Charleston, WV | 103,450 jobs | $34,400 – $107,500 | $71,000 | +8% |
| Champaign, IL | 105,500 jobs | $42,300 – $132,000 | $87,200 | +33% |
| Clarksville, TN | 103,220 jobs | $33,700 – $105,500 | $69,600 | +6% |
Gainesville: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Gainesville wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 3 common sizes.
Basic
$31,900 to $59,000
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$52,200 to $79,300
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$72,600 to $99,700
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $28,300 – $52,500 | $46,400 – $70,500 | $64,500 – $88,600 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $36,300 – $67,100 | $59,400 – $90,200 | $82,500 – $113,500 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $56,600 – $104,500 | $92,700 – $141,000 | $129,000 – $177,000 |
What nearby projects cost in Gainesville
Because every project leans on different trades, Gainesville's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, aluminum fence runs −10% and wood deck −12%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,400 – $10,300 | −10% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,650 – $4,850 | −11% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,500 | −12% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,650 – $13,300 | −12% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $530 – $1,850 | −11% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,150 – $12,200 | −11% |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 4 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Gainesville is 0.81 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $18.40 an hour, 19% below the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.16 and $22.24 an hour. About 600 work in the metro. That is 57.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 30%) the local median is $23.24 an hour, which is 19% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $19.92 and $26.20 an hour. BLS counts 300 of them working in the area, 28.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is about average.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 20% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Gainesville metro, so we used the Georgia statewide median: $24.35 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $18.00 and $32.90 an hour.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $24.60 an hour, which is 20% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $21.94 and $29.99 an hour. BLS counts 210 of them working in the area, 20.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($22.24 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $2,600. At the 25th percentile ($17.16) it shrinks by about $850. The total moves by 4.0% or 1.3%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 103,870 jobs in the Gainesville area. That makes it the 198th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.07% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $17.16 | $18.40 | $22.24 | $22.66 | 0.81 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $19.92 | $23.24 | $26.20 | $28.78 | 0.81 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $18.00 | $24.35 | $32.90 | $29.87 | 0.82 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $21.94 | $24.60 | $29.99 | $30.67 | 0.80 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.81 | |||||
Inground pool: what moves the price in Gainesville
Pool type
Vinyl pools are $25,000-$65,000, fiberglass $45,000-$100,000, and concrete or gunite $50,000-$120,000 (HomeGuide).
Maintenance
Pool maintenance is $80-$150 a month; concrete pools also need an acid wash every 3-5 years at $300-$1,000.
Permit
A building permit for a pool is $100-$300 and contractors often include it. Many cities add plumbing and electrical permits.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $52,200 to $79,300 for Gainesville, GA is attached.
Detailed inground pool report for Gainesville, GA, $9
Multi-page report for Gainesville, GA: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Inground pool in Gainesville: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Gainesville?
For 450 sq ft, expect $31,900 to $99,700 in the Gainesville area. A standard-spec job lands at $52,200 to $79,300. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Gainesville?
About $70.50 to $221 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $95 to $290 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Gainesville or Athens?
Athens is 45 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $65,000, which is 1% less than Gainesville ($65,800). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Gainesville?
About 48% at the midpoint, or $31,400 out of $65,800. Materials are 52% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Gainesville?
$36,300 to $113,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Gainesville?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $95 to $290 for fees in the Gainesville area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Gainesville expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Georgia?
Gainesville is 2% below the Georgia statewide estimate ($67,200 at the midpoint). We cover 10 metros in Georgia; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Gainesville?
The BLS median is $18.40 an hour in the Gainesville area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $17.16 to $22.24.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Gainesville?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $31,900 to $59,000 and premium work $72,600 to $99,700. Basic means: vinyl-liner pool, small size. Premium means: concrete or gunite, large with custom features.
+When is the best time to install an inground pool in Gainesville?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through November. September and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Inground pool near Gainesville
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = 48% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Outdoor Living' category split. It is a category average, not a pool-specific one, so read the pool materials line loosely.